Barcelona terror attack: Foreign Office advises tourists to stay inside

Stay away from the area, the Foreign Office tells Britons in Barcelona

David Maclean
Thursday 17 August 2017 12:46 EDT
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Video shows aftermath of Barcelona van attack

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The Foreign Office has warned Britons in Barcelona to stay away from the Las Ramblas area of the city after this afternoon's terror attack.

Witnesses heard a “loud crash” followed by people screaming after a van ploughed into crowds of people on the wide tree-lined boulevard which is popular with tourists.

The incident is being treated as a terrorist attack by police - local media says at least two people are dead and several more are injured.

Updated travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London has warned tourists in the city to stay inside and to stay away from the Las Ramblas area.

People who are already in the area have been asked to follow the the advice of police and security services.

A spokesman said representatives of the FCO are in contact with Spanish authorities.

The travel advice page for Spain on the FCO website now reads: "The British Embassy in Madrid and Consulate General in Barcelona are in contact with local authorities and urgently seeking further information following reports of an incident in central Barcelona.

"Local authorities have advised people to stay inside and stay away from the Las Ramblas area of the city.

"If you're in the immediate area you should take care and follow the advice of the local security authorities.

"Press reports suggest that some public transport, particularly the metro, has been affected."

The FCO will be updating its guidance here as the situation develops. Follow the latest updates from The Independent on the developing incident here.

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